When it comes to skincare, microbes aren’t something we typically discuss. But understanding them can make all the difference and impact the health of your skin.

So, what exactly are microbes? They’re tiny microorganisms that can cause disease on the skin and in the body. While that may sound pretty scary, usually we live in a harmonic relationship with microbes on our skin. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Purvisha Patel, founder of Visha Skincare, we live in a symbiotic relationship with most microbes.

“We have bacteria, fungi and even mites that live on us and inside us,” says Dr. Patel. “These microbes generally do not cause us any problems unless there is an overgrowth of one particular organism that can lead to infection and stimulate our immune systems to react to the skin.”

Microbes Can Trigger Folliculitis And Shaving Bumps

Folliculitis is the inflammation of the hair follicle and can present itself on the skin in the form of red or white bumps. This itchy (and it’s most extreme, blistery) condition is caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Use caution while shaving, and make sure to use a moisturizer directly after shaving skin.